Portland's proposed Office of Equity heads to a vote but questions remain

Beth Slovic/The OregonianCommissioner Amanda Fritz and Mayor Sam Adams attend a May public meeting on Adams' proposed Office of Equity, which got $525,000 in new funding in the mayor's 2011-12 budget. Fritz this week released a draft ordinance for the office.

Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Adams' pick to lead the office, has tightened the focus for the office, but two City Council colleagues said Thursday that they have lingering concerns about its scope and direction.

"I have an open mind, but I have a lot of questions," said Commissioner Nick Fish, who persuaded the City Council in May to withhold full funding for the office -- about $1 million -- until the council approves a plan.

Among his worries? Settling on a definition of equity that clarifies the meaning for both minority groups and residents of east Portland who want equal access.

Commissioner Dan Saltzman also expressed reservations. "I'm not persuaded that this office and the money associated with it are warranted at this point," he said.

Fritz was out of town and unavailable for comment Thursday. But she released a draft ordinance this week that sets a path for the office. As written, Fritz's draft ordinance says Portland will achieve equity "when everyone has access to opportunities necessary to satisfy essential needs, advance their well-being and achieve their full potential."

It also says the new office will prioritize policies that address racial and ethnic inequality, and give additional attention to Portlanders with disabilities. The office would first look at city government, eliminating disparities "in city policies, processes, decisions and resource allocations." When Fritz first talked about the office last winter, she said it might tackle social issues such as housing discrimination and educational policy.

Tim Crail, a policy adviser to Fritz, said the focus tightened because the goal is to start small, with about eight to 10 staffers, then grow. "One of the dangers of a small office is that you overreach," Crail said.